International Youth Day ushers in the International Year of Youth
In December of 2009, the United Nations General Assembly in New York proclaimed, in resolution A/RES/64/134, that August 12 2010 – August 12 2011 will be the International Youth Year. This also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the first International Youth Year proclaimed in 1985.
Launched on August 12 2010, which is the day the international community celebrates the International Youth Day, the International Youth Year promises to be an exciting year for young people around the world. The added focus on Dialogue and Mutual Understanding also the official theme of this iteration of the IYY, will celebrate the ingenuity, energy and contributions to enhancing peace and development by young people. This is also the occasion for the international community and the United Nations System to show their commitment to tackling youth issues and enhancing youth participation in the processes involving them.
Following the proclamation of the International Youth year, the Alliance of Youth CEO’s ( YMCA, YWCA, WOSM, WAGGGS, IFRCRCS, IAA) representing the worlds largest youth movements and over 100 million young people in over 200 countries have joined their voices to mark this significant event.
In a joint statement, the Heads of the largest youth movements state that:
- Young people bring much-needed skills when working alongside older people in a spirit of mutual respect. This intergenerational transfer of experience is vital to both progress and stability in society.
- Local youth actions such as peer education to prevent HIV and AIDS, protection of the environment, promotion of gender equality and advocacy for access to education are valuable contributions of young people towards realising the Millennium Development Goals.
- The values of social inclusion, dialogue, respect for diversity, non-discrimination, non-violence and peace that we promote create an enabling environment for young people to work together in building bridges for the benefit of all people in need.
- We fully support global advocacy for increased commitment and investment in youth, in particular young women and girls, for further youth participation, intergenerational and interfaith dialogue, and intercultural understanding among all people.
- We encourage all young people in our member organizations to get together, organize activities and celebrate the International Year of Youth.
- We call for action of all organizations and institutions in the public and private sector to respect the rights of children and youth, to prevent any form of abuse and to engage actively young people to build a better future.
The World Organization of the Scout Movement joins to celebrate not only today as the International day of youth but also the International Youth Year.
To get more information also consult the official United Nations Programme on Youth IYY dedicated website where events, activities and additional material can be found in order to make the most of this year.
More information:
Alliance of CEO’s joint statement in English, French, Spanish, Arabic
Joint Statement by Heads of UN Entities for the Launch of the International Year of Youth, HERE
